Cisco has re-released a security advisory and software updates to address the Cisco Unified IP Phones local kernel system call input validation vulnerability.

Description

Cisco Unified IP Phones 7900 Series versions 9.3(1)SR1 and prior contain an arbitrary code execution vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute code or modify arbitrary memory with elevated privileges.

This vulnerability is due to a failure to properly validate input passed to kernel system calls from applications running in userspace. An attacker could exploit this issue by gaining local access to the device using physical access or authenticated access using SSH and executing an attacker-controlled binary that is designed to exploit the issue. Such an attack would originate from an unprivileged context.

Cisco has confirmed the vulnerability in a security advisory and released updated software.

Warning Indicators

Cisco 7900 Series Unified IP Phone is affected.

IntelliShield Analysis

This alert contains CVSS scoring supplied by Cisco, the primary vendor of the affected product. Cisco indicates through the CVSS score that functional exploit code exists; however, the code is not known to be publicly available.

A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to modify the operation of existing code or execute attacker-controlled code with elevated privileges.

Technical Information

The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of input passed to kernel system calls from applications running in userspace.

An attacker could exploit this issue by gaining physical access to the device via the AUX port on the rear of the device or gaining remote access by first authenticating to the device via SSH and executing a crafted binary. When the malicious binary executes, the attacker could bypass the speakerphone activated indicator light and activate the handset microphone while the device handset is in the on-hook position (with the handset in the cradle). A successful exploit could allow the attacker to intercept in-range audio communications. The remote access method is disabled by default on the device after it has been provisioned by a Cisco Unified Call Manager.

Cisco customers with active contracts can obtain updates through the Software Center at the following link: Cisco. Cisco customers without contracts can obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-553-2447 or 1-408-526-7209 or via e-mail at tac@cisco.com.

Alert History

Version 2, January 17, 2013, 11:18 AM: Cisco has re-released a security advisory and an Engineering Special release to address the Cisco Unified IP Phones local kernel system call input validation vulnerability.

Version 1, January 9, 2013, 11:16 AM: Cisco Unified IP Phones 7900 Series contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute code or modify arbitrary memory with elevated privileges. Updates are not available.

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